Doris Lea Watlington Allen

Doris Lea Watlington Allen, 86, was born April 4, 1929 into the home of Oscar Bryan Watlington, Sr. and Fannie Roberts Watlington of West Yanceyville, NC. She shared her early life with two sisters; Anna and Mary Wilma and four brothers; Oscar Jr., Irvin, Earl and Penn. Early life was spent on the farm where she struggled to overcome often debilitating onsets of asthma. As she grew and gained more normal health she developed a strong work ethic. Upon graduation from Bartlett Yancey High School she attended business college in Raleigh where she met her future husband, M. Eugene Allen, Sr. They were married for forty-five years and had one son, Marty Allen of Apex. With his wife Gail, Doris gained four grandchildren, Gene Allen (Wendy) of Apex, Presha Bradley (Joey) of New Hill, Britt Allen (Mia) of Annapolis, MD, and Paul Allen of Apex. Doris was also blessed with six great grandchildren; Caleb and Connor Allen; Cade, Wyatt and Tatum Bradley and Raine Allen.

Doris was a professional woman serving the people of North Carolina through the Agricultural Extension Service at NC State University for fifteen years. She then served with the North Carolina General Assembly as an aid to Senator David Parnell for sixteen years. She was known for her character, competence and loyalty.

Doris adored her parents, maintained a deep affection and attachment to her siblings her entire life. She faithfully loved her husband and family. During the course of her life she served three churches; Ebenezer Christian Church, Cary Christian and Missionary Alliance and Prospect Methodist Church. She was a dedicated Sunday School Teacher, pianist, organist and choir member. She was committed to the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served well in all stations of life.

She was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at age 83 and fought the disease on her own terms for two and a half years. Having decided it is better to be at rest with the Lord than to struggle with the frailties of this life, her battle ended on August 23, 2015.

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The family would like to thank especially the members of her home church, Prospect Methodist for their prayers and support during these miost recent trying years. We wish also to recognize and thank all of the medical professionals that aided Doris, especially Dr. Timothy Brotherton and Dr. Taylor Goodnough along with the team (#27) at the UNC Hillsborough campus whose care, empathy and humor made an otherwise arduous task memorable and inspiring. We would also like to thank the home healthcare providers from Bayada in Roxboro, the staff at Brookdale MacArthur Park and most recently Liberty Hospice. In Lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Prospect Methodist Church or WorldVision.org in her honor.

Visitation will be Friday, August 28, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Prospect Methodist Church in Yanceyville, NC. A worship service in her honor will be held at Prospect Methodist Church 2 pm, Saturday, August 29.

Harrelson Funeral Service is assisting the Allen family with arrangements and condolences may be made at www.harrelsonfs.com